Born in Dublin, Ireland, international bestselling author John Connolly is the author of The Wolf in Winter, together with both teen and adult international bestsellers, including The Wrath of Angels, The Burning Soul, The Book of Lost Things, and Bad Men, among many others. Winner of the Agatha, Shamus and the Anthony Awards for work, Connolly is the author of the Charlie Parker mysteries, the Samuel Johnson trilogy for middle-graders, and is co-author, with Jennifer Ridyard, of Conquest, the first book in the Chronicles of the Invaders Trilogy for teen readers. Dividing his time between Portland, Maine and Dublin, Connolly continues to contribute articles to The Irish Times newspaper as his schedule permits.

In partnership with Gwinnett County Library, the author will appear at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center. Books will be provided by Books for Less for purchase and signing. The event is free and open to the public.

BOOKS TO DIE FOR is a unique, must-have anthology for any fan of the mystery genre, featuring personal essays from 120 of the world’s most beloved and renowned crime writers on the mysteries and thrillers that they most admire, edited by two of their own—John Connolly and Declan Burke. Tana French on The Secret History by Donna Tartt; Jo Nesbø on Jim Thompson’s Pop. 1280; Kathy Reichs onThe Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris; Michael Connelly on Raymond Chandler’s The Little Sister, and Charlaine Harris on Geoffrey Household’s Rogue Male: these are just a few of the 120 internationally bestselling mystery writers showcased in this collection—a book every reader of crime fiction should own. In the most ambitious anthology of its kind ever compiled, each author pays a deeply personal tribute to one mystery that means the most to them, explaining why that book affects them and how it has influenced their own work. This collection presents a treasure trove of works in the mystery genre by the people who know it best, and is an essential guide for all readers and writers. (BookPodder)… (more)

Oct

13

B.O.B. (The Business of Books) with Bestselling Mystery Writer John Connolly from Ireland!

Join owner of Fountain Bookstore, Kelly Justice, as she discusses with John Connolly what makes a good mystery novel in the next installment of B.O.B., The Business of Books!

John is the editor of and contributor to Books to die for: The World's Greatest Mystery Writers on the World's Greatest Mystery Novels. We will use his book as a jumping off point for our discussion with the audience.

Please think about your favorite mystery novel and bring your selection to the show. We'll have everyone write them down and throw them in a fedora to be used in the discussion as well as to draw for prizes.

John was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1968 and has, at various points in his life, worked as a journalist, a barman, a local government official, a waiter and a dogsbody at Harrods department store in London. John continues so contribute to The Irish Times newspaper.

His first novel, Every Dead Thing, was published in 1999, and introduced the character of Charlie Parker, a former policeman hunting the killer of his wife and daughter. He has followed this series with 10 more installments.

He has also written two books for young adults: The Gates and The Infernals.

John Connolly is based in Dublin but divides his time between his native city and the United States, where the Charlie Parker mysteries are set.

In Books to die for (Emily Bestler, $29.99), a volume that could have been called "One-Hundred-Twenty Mysteries to Read Before You Die," Connolly and his co-editor, the Irish thriller-writer Declan Burke, asked today’s top crime writers to nominate the one mystery everyone must read. Here is the list, with supporting evidence from the participating authors.

Mr. Connolly will be joined by other mystery writers including Linda Barnes. Ms. Barnes is the creator of two acclaimed Boston-set series of mystery novels. Her essay in Books to die for is "A Love Affair With The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, with an Emphasis on 'The Speckled Band,' and Notes Concerning the Structure of the Mystery Series."

The Washington Club was founded in 1891 for "literary purposes, mutual improvement and the promotion of social intercourse." Known as the Patterson mansion, it was built in 1900-1902 by Chicago Tribune Editor and Mrs. Robert W. Patterson of Chicago and remains the only intact example of Stanford White’s work in Washington, DC. http://thewashingtonclub.com

One book, one ticket, light refreshments, beer and wine for one: $50 One book, two tickets, light refreshments, beer and wine for two: $70